The Honorable Arlen SpecterChair, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and HumanServices, Education, and Related AgenciesCommittee on AppropriationsUnited States SenateWashington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Specter:

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM), the largest single life science society with over 42,000 members, is writing to thank you for your leadership and commitment in support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ASM is grateful for your efforts to advance the cause of science and public health, which has led to improvements in the quality of life for millions of people in the United States and worldwide.

Your continued and dedicated leadership on behalf of biomedical and public health programs is viewed by many scientists as an essential component of the nation’s ability to strengthen policy and programs that address critical health challenges. We look forward to continuing to work with you on behalf of programs that offer hope for effectively preventing, treating, and curing diseases.